Modelling the heating of epoxy compounds in microwave chambers of different types
A. S. Sivak1, S. G. Kalganova1,2, S. V. Trigorly1, Y. A. Kadykova1,2,
E. Yu. Vasinkina1, T. P. Sivak1, G. V. Sakhadzhi1,2
1 JSC “Scientific Production Enterprice “Kontakt”, bldg. 1, B.V. Spitsyn str., 410086 Saratov, Russia
E-mail: nayka@kontakt-saratov.ru
2 Saratov State University, 83, Astrakhanskaya str., 410012 Saratov, Russia
E-mail: sahadj@yandex.ru
In the technology of obtaining composites the actual problem is the reduction of curing time of polymer binders, reduction of energy consumption for technological processes without reducing the quality of composites. The aim of the work is the development of microwave chamber designs on the basis of mathematical modelling and determination of heating modes of epoxy compounds in binder curing processes for obtaining high-energy radio-absorbing composites. The solution of the interrelated equations of electrodynamics and heat conduction was performed using the finite element method, which was implemented in the COMSOL Multiphysics program. Numerical investigations of temperature and electric fields distribution in epoxy compound were carried out taking into account heating modes, microwave chamber design, and physical properties of the composite. It is established that for microwave heating of the compound containing epoxy resin ED-20 with silicon carbide filler it is reasonable to use working microwave chambers on quasi-coaxial waveguide and with waveguide-slot radiators of periodic action. The optimum modes of microwave curing of epoxy compound have been determined: microwave exposure time, power, speed of rotation and movement of the mold with compound in microwave chambers. To achieve the required temperature of curing of epoxy compound, the algorithm of step-by-step regulation of microwave power depending on the temperature in the control point was used, which allows to achieve a uniform distribution of the temperature field in the volume of the compound and accelerate the technological process of obtaining the composite. The proposed approach to solving the
problems of heating epoxy compounds in microwave chambers of various types and the results of modelling can be used in the development of microwave chambers in the technologies of curing and modification of various compounds, as well as for the construction of algorithms and control systems of microwave installations.
Keywords: mathematical modelling, microwave heating, epoxy compound, electrodynamics, thermal conductivity, microwave chamber, curing, power regulation.
DOI: 10.30791/0015-3214-2025-4-20-32